“Our mutual defence interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) plays a significant role in Bahrain’s defence.”

The government agreed to offer alternate mission equipment (AME), mission system spares and munitions spare parts, software maintenance and support, as well as missile support and test equipment.

DSCA stated that the deal is intended to support foreign policy and national security objectives of the US. The sale aims to help improve the security of the country’s key security partner in the region.

In a statement, DSCA said: “Our mutual defence interests anchor our relationship and the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) plays a significant role in Bahrain’s defence.

“The proposed sale improves Bahrain’s ability to meet current and future threats. Bahrain will use these capabilities as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence.”

In June last year, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $1.12bn contract by the US Government to produce 16 F-16 Block 70 aircraft for the Royal Bahraini Air Force.

New weapons under the FMS will support the country’s procurement of F-16 Block 70 and upgrades of existing F-16V aircraft.

They are expected to enhance the capability of existing aircraft to sustain operations and meet training requirements.

In 2017, the US approved a possible sale to Bahrain for the upgrade of F-16 Block 40 aircraft to F-16V configuration.